J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2013 Jul;52(4):205-214.

Risk Factors of Suicide Attempt in Male Patients with Alcohol Dependence

• Choi JY
• Ko HJ
• Kim CO
• Kim BR

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors of suicide attempt in patients with alcohol dependence.
METHODS
A total of 68 patients admitted to the hospital for alcohol dependence were divided into two groups according to history of suicide attempt. In this study, sociodemographic variables, characteristics of alcohol drinking, and clinical scales were compared between the two groups.
RESULTS
Regarding sociodemographic and clinical features, the alcoholic group with history of suicide attempt included more patients with no spouse, using medical aid in social security, and history of depressive disorder. Regarding characteristics of alcohol drinking, ages of first alcohol problems and first admission for alcohol problems were significantly younger in the attempter group. Patients in the attempter group had been drinking more and had higher frequency of delirium tremens and psychiatric admission. Regarding clinical scales, significantly higher scores for suicide ideation, depression, anxiety, and impulsiveness were observed in the attempter group. Among the scores for Temperament and character inventory, the score for persistence was significantly lower in the attempter group. After controlling for other compounding factors, depressive disorder [p=0.006, odds ratio (OR)=32.2] and suicide ideation (p=0.029, OR=1.2) were significant factors showing correlation with suicide attempt.
CONCLUSION
Results of this study suggest that assessment and management of the depressive disorder and suicide ideation are necessary for suicide prevention in patients with alcohol dependence.

Keyword

Alcohol dependence; Suicide; Risk factors; Depression

MeSH Terms

Alcohol Drinking
Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium
Alcoholics
Alcoholism
Anxiety
Depression
Depressive Disorder
Drinking
Humans
Male
Odds Ratio
Risk Factors
Social Security
Spouses
Suicide
Temperament
Weights and Measures

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